The most indolent actually made up their minds to escape, forgetting that Pyrrhus was training them that they might be able to defend their own homes. There seemed no trace in these indifferent citizens of the spirit that had made them sail against the Roman fleet and turn the Roman garrison out of Thurii. ‘Not understanding what it was to be commanded, these called it mere slavery not to do as they pleased.’ CHAPTER XLVIII THE ELEPHANTS AT THE BATTLE OF HERACLEA While Pyrrhus was training the lazy Tarentines, the new Consul, Valerius, was advancing with his army toward the city, burning and plundering the country through which he passed. So Pyrrhus resolved to leave Tarentum and go to meet the enemy. Assembling his troops he marched away toward the town of Heraclea, which stood on the bank of the river Siris, where he determined to pitch his camp. Across the river lay the Roman army, and the king rode along the bank on his side of the Siris, admiring the order and discipline of the enemy. ‘We shall see presently what they can do,’ he said to a friend who rode by his side. Wishing to keep the Romans from crossing the river until his reinforcements arrived, Pyrrhus ordered soldiers to guard the passage. But Valerius did not mean to wait for the king to strengthen his force, and he at once sent his cavalry higher up the Siris to cross at a ford, while he, with his infantry, tried to cross the river in spite of the guard set by Pyrrhus. The king immediately advanced with three thousand horse, hoping to scatter the Romans ere they succeeded in reaching the opposite bank. But protecting themselves with their shields, the Roman soldiers were soon scrambling out of the river. Pyrrhus, ordering his men to form in closer ranks, then led them against the enemy. His armour, richer and more beautiful than that of his soldiers, at once attracted the attention of the Romans and drew on him the most determined attacks. His friends, seeing the danger to which the king was exposed, begged him to beware. One of them, pointing to a barbarian who rode upon a black horse with white feet, said, ‘Sire, yonder fellow fixes his whole attention on you alone, taking no notice of others. Be on your guard against him.’ The king answered, ‘It is impossible for any man to avoid his fate, but neither he nor any other Italian shall have much satisfaction in engaging with me.’ At that moment the Roman, spurring on his horse and lowering his spear, dashed upon the king. Pyrrhus fell to the ground, for his steed was pierced by the enemy’s spear. Quick as lightning, Leonnatus, who had warned Pyrrhus of this very soldier, killed the Roman’s horse, and before he or any other of the enemy could reach the king, his friends had dragged him to a place of safety. He was then persuaded to change his armour with one of his officers named Megacles.